Growth and Development (Sex-Ed) Curriculum - 4th Edition
In March of 2004, our Council was contacted by the school board to preview the latest 4th edition of the Growth and Development Curriculum. We critiqued the 400 page 4th edition, line by line over a 4 month period and then met with Superintendent Krys Croxall on 3 or 4 occasions over 30 months to discuss our written input and reinforce the importance of our comments. A more detailed report on the curriculum is contained in this March 2008 newsletter.
Sexual Orientation Strand of the Equity Policy
The steering committee meetings in which we participated for 2 years came to an end last September, however, the policy has yet to be passed. We continue to oppose the anti-homophobic/anti-heterosexist approach to this strand and are using every possible avenue of objection we can find. Please read the article in our March Newsletter to be informed about our upcoming delegate status presentation which has now been postponed for a third time.
10th Annual Scavenger Hunt for Birthright
HWFAC sponsored the 10th Annual Scavenger Hunt for Birthright at King's View Community Church. 5 churches attended and contributed 526.5 pounds of infant and maternity clothing and supplies along with $965 in cash for a total of 1491.5 points. It was great to see an increase and we were also encouraged by the work of our new Scavenger Hunt Coordinator Amanda Fudge. Amanda is attending college and studying Early Childhood Education and felt that she wanted to do something for the pro-life cause. Please see the article in this newsletter for this year's location of the 11th Annual Scavenger Hunt for Birthright
Workshops and Presentations
Equity the Shoehorn to the Sexualization of Your Child
This workshop was put on by HWFAC once in March and again in April. It was a 2 hour workshop which identified problems with homosexual conduct from a Biblical and Medical perspective, concerns with the Sexual Orientation Strand of the Equity Policy and a session on using the Declaration of Spiritual Values effectively.
Presentation at Family Coalition Party of Ontario Annual General Meeting
In April HWFAC presented our concerns with the Sexual Orientation Strand to the Family Coalition Party members.. Many were shocked and appreciative of the eye opening presentation.
Pastors Briefing
In May HWFAC put on a Pastor's Briefing which educated them regarding 7 concerns with the Sexual Orientation Strand of the Equity Policy equipping them to respond to HWDSB with letters of concern representing their congregations and qualifying them to participate in a Community Validation Session in June.
Question Planning Strategy Session
This session was put on by HWFAC to organize concerned parents and strategize on effective questions which were to be submitted to HWDSB. HWDSB committed to answer submitted questions at a November Community Session. In fact many of the questions were never answered.
Clamping Down on Internet Service Providers that host Child Pornography Sites
HWFAC participated in and hosted a meeting on September 14/07 with members of CFAC, C.A.S.E. and Canadians for Positive Community Standards to discuss a campaign to call upon Internet providers to take action against websites that have child pornography. Blocking spam and hate sites is possible. So is blocking child sex sites. We want to increase our lobby of the federal government to bring into force legislation covering CRTC actions on Internet regulation, to assist law enforcement in gathering information on these criminals, and to increase court sentences for child sex offenders in order to better protect society, especially vulnerable children. See www.familyaction.org for details.
Sexual Health Network
Our representative and colleagues at the SHN continue to attend meetings and insist upon the production of materials that are abstinence-based. Parent conferences and sex-ed materials for parents and students in grades 5 to 8 are a welcome addition and are truly amazing considering the opposite direction many others on this SHN once tried to take. Congratulations, Lynne Scime, Cleda Yachetti of Canadians for Positive Community Standards, and Theresa Hartnett of Birthright.
HWFAC Web Site Activity
HWFAC's Web Site again served us well in 2007. Monthly page requests average over 3,500. Through our website, we are hearing from individuals and organizations from across the country for information and advice. Of great benefit locally, our website increases our presence and enhances accessibility to those with similar convictions and concerns. Standing on Biblical Judeo-Christian principles, we fulfill our mission by informing others regarding local concerns, and of soldiers on the front lines who require prayer support. Our website greatly magnifies our efforts to motivate others to write letters and to call officials. We also use the website to assist in the promotion of events and efforts of our partner organizations. Our website is regularly updated and is found at hamiltonfamilyaction.org.
Please pray and continue to work with HWFAC as we endeavour to restore, preserve and defend traditional Biblical Judeo-Christian family principles & values.
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Public Sex Education